'Third Annual Medical Students' History of Medicine Prize 2007

The Prize evening continues to go from strength to strength. This year we were treated to another 5 excellent presentations.

• Rabia Aflab spoke on Lobotomy: historical and ethical controversies.
• Tom Boase spoke about the work of Medical missionaries in colonial Africa.
• Emily Brown reminded us about  Brucellosis: a neglected problem.
• Edward Clapham discussed the issues surrounding the death of Napoleon: natural causes, unlawful killing or medical misadventure?
• Then to round off the evening Claire Marshall treated us to the history of Fazakerley: Liverpool’s fever hospital.

All the presenters fielded challenging questions from the floor demonstrating their thorough knowledge of their chosen subject. The adjudicators (Dr Peter Dangerfield, Mr Rob Gillies, Dr Andrew Lamer and Dr Sally Sheard) had the unenviable task of choosing a winner. After deliberating for some time the winner was announced  - Edward Clapham on the death of Napoleon.

Napoleon: natural causes, unlawful killing or medical misadventure? – Edward Clapham

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) is a distinguished figure within history and remains a national hero to the French, he leaves the legacy of a legend, as no one else in French history provided as much for France in both war and for society in such a short space of time.
Throughout history however the cause of his death has always provided an interesting area for debate as a history of medicine topic. Three theories exist, those of unlawful killing, medical misadventure and a natural cause leading to the end of his life. These have all evolved as the scientific methods surrounding them have improved over the past sixty years.

Napoleon’s medical history was detailed briefly with the supporting primary sources of evidence that would support the theory that he died through a natural cause. Strong evidence supports this such as his post mortem examination and a strong familial tendency of cancer. Other arguments were then presented as to way he may have died. Arguments suggest he may have died at the hands of his physicians (medical misadventure) or he may have been maliciously murdered.

Much primary evidence such as arsenic levels in Napoleon’s hair and the medications given to him before death were cited and this with the further research which has been done leads these theories to be more than feasible. The evidence base was presented for all of the theories to enable the audience to decide for themselves which conclusion they agree with before Ed concluded by presenting his own ideas.

Click here to read the other abstracts submitted for the 2007 competition

2nd Year Annual History of Medicine 2006